The work of YouthNet is presently concentrated in three primary initiatives:

1. Global Technical Leadership

YouthNet conducts research on key questions, disseminates findings and best practices, promotes responsible youth behaviors through global media, and builds the capacity of governments, non-governmental organizations, and others to involve and work with young people.

2. Short-term Technical Assistance

YouthNet assists USAID missions and local agencies to design school-based and faith-based education programs, strengthen behavioral change communication, mobilize communities and young people, promote youth-friendly services, integrate gender awareness, evaluate programs, develop training materials, conduct training, and involve the private sector.

3. Country Programs

YouthNet works with other cooperating agencies and local partners to develop, implement and evaluate country-specific programs to reach the largest number of young people. In program countries, YouthNet seeks to develop and implement large-scale programs to promote the following key prevention behaviors:

• Sexual abstinence
• Delaying sexual debut
• Reducing/limiting number of sexual partners
• Using condoms for disease protection and pregnancy prevention
• Practicing effective contraception
• Seeking early care in pregnancy
• Seeking early treatment if infected with a sexually transmitted infection, including HIV/AIDS.